In July of 2006, Renee Zeichner, Chris Tooker and Sue Victor of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library reached out to the library staff for donations to send packages and letters to soldiers serving in the U.S. Army who don't receive any mail from home. The response from the staff, friends, family and community has been wonderful! Gifts of items and cash to help pay postage have been coming in. To date, over 360 packages have been lovingly prepared and sent to "Our Soldiers."

Pictured (L-R), Douglas MaKosky, Commander VFW Post 516 in Farmingdale and Junior Vice Commander of the Nassau County Council, presents donation to Renee Zeichner and Sue Victor of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library in support of the "For Our Soldiers" project.

Local veterans groups have been especially supportive. Douglas MaKosky, commander of VFW Post 516 in Farmingdale and junior vice commander of the Nassau County Council, recently presented a generous check to the program on behalf of the VFW in Nassau County. "We all appreciate the care packages and the kindness put into them. It takes a special person to care enough to give to complete strangers," serviceman James Bashaw wrote in his thank you letter to the library. The collection continues and supporting the troops while they are far from home during the holiday season means so much. Items such as candy, snacks, paperbacks, DVDs, toiletries (especially baby wipes), and puzzles are appreciated.

This ongoing project of giving has brought as much joy to the library staff as to those receiving the gifts. If you would like to participate, you can bring items to the library at 999 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY 11803. Postage to mail one box is $8.10, so if you would like to make a cash donation toward the cost of postage, you can make a check out to "For Our Soldiers." If you have any questions about the program, call 938-0077 ext. 1256 and ask for Renee, Chris or Sue. Making a donation is a simple act with a powerful impact for good.